Candidates for the Brechin post are not allowed to comment. Mr John, however, has previously said that his failure to be shortlisted for a Welsh post was “directly related to my homosexuality and/or civil partnership.”

Episcopalians are looking to replace the Nigel Peyton, who retired as Bishop of Brechin last year. The church has seven dioceses with Brechin covering Angus and Dundee.

Four clergymen have been shortlisted for the post. Mr John is up against Francis Bridger, who is currently dean of the diocese;Markus Dünzkofer, rector, St John the Evangelist Church, Edinburgh; and Andrew Swift, dean of the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles.

All four candidates met with senior church figures, led by primus Mark Strange, on Saturday. The new bishop will be announced on June 2.

Around one in 100 Scottish residents are registered Episcopalians.

A Scottish Anglican Network was formed last year by members of the church unhappy with what they see as a pro-homosexuality stance. They are backed by African clerics.

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